Blessings Chidakwa, Senior Reporter
THE Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini, yesterday paid a courtesy call on First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at her offices in Harare, where they discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation through the Angel of Hope Foundation.
During the engagement, Ambassador Hosseini donated a range of advanced medical equipment to support the Foundation’s humanitarian work and explore areas of cooperation in healthcare.
The equipment includes ventilators, patient monitors, electrocardiographs (ECGs), digital thermometers, humidifiers, air compressors and other medical devices designed to support patient care.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two to exchange views on humanitarian initiatives and social development programmes, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, education and community empowerment.
Ambassador Hosseini commended Dr Mnangagwa for her humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to support vulnerable communities, empower women and young people, and improve access to healthcare.
He expressed Iran’s readiness to explore practical partnerships with the Angel of Hope Foundation in areas of mutual interest.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is the country’s Health and Child Care Ambassador, warmly welcomed Ambassador Hosseini and commended Iran for its continued people-to-people support for Zimbabwe, particularly in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.
“We welcome Iranian investment in modern technology, particularly in mechanised agriculture and the health sector.
“In the health sector, you are highly equipped, and Zimbabwe needs to benefit more from your advanced technology. Zimbabwe can source cancer treatment machines from Iran,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said NatPharm was looking to strengthen its partnership with Iran’s Tamin Pharmaceutical Investment, subject to positive market reception of the initial five sample medicines, with the two entities also exploring the possibility of establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe.
The discussions also focused on climate resilience and food security, with Dr Mnangagwa briefing the Ambassador on initiatives targeting women amid forecasts of an El Niño-induced drought.
“Organic chemicals are very healthy, and that is what we are now focusing on. Through my Angel of Hope Foundation, we are encouraging women to fight climate change by growing traditional grains that are resilient to its effects.
“What has happened now is that most women have embraced traditional grain production, which will help ensure that Zimbabwe is able to feed its people,” she said.
Through various programmes, the First Lady has been working with women to strengthen agricultural productivity, promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance communities’ capacity to withstand climate-related challenges.
Dr Mnangagwa said Iran intended to export urea, bitumen, mineral fuels, pharmaceutical plastics, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, carpets, textile floor coverings and organic chemicals to Zimbabwe.
She said these products were important to Zimbabwe, particularly in the face of climate change, stressing the need for countries to embrace resources and technologies that would strengthen resilience and help communities adapt to its effects.
The First Lady also highlighted several areas for enhanced cooperation, including capacity building, and training and exchange programmes aimed at empowering women.
In an interview after the meeting, Ambassador Hosseini said it was a great honour to meet the First Lady.
“I highly commended Her Excellency’s noble humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable communities, empower women and youth, and improve access to healthcare.
“Iran stands ready to explore practical cooperation with the Angel of Hope Foundation in healthcare, medical training, agricultural development, vocational education, rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance, translating our longstanding friendship into tangible benefits for our peoples, particularly the people of Zimbabwe.”
The Ambassador also said: “We discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly through the Angel of Hope Foundation.”
He further highlighted the notable progress made in advancing relations between the two countries, particularly in culture, trade and industry.
Dr Mnangagwa is the Patron of the Angel of Hope Foundation, which spearheads several interventions targeting vulnerable groups, including children, women, young people, the elderly and people with disabilities.
The Foundation’s work spans healthcare, education, social protection and economic empowerment.
The engagement highlighted opportunities for humanitarian and social development cooperation between Zimbabwean and Iranian institutions, particularly in areas that directly benefit vulnerable communities.
